Travis County residents will see a temporary property tax increase next year as the county addresses extensive flood damage from severe July storms. On July 29, commissioners approved a one-year 9.12% rate hike for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
The higher rate will raise about three cents more per $100 of property value, bringing the new rate to $0.375845 per $100. For an average homeowner with a property valued at $515,213, the increase translates to about $200 more in county taxes. Of that, approximately $72 will go specifically toward flood recovery.
No public vote required under disaster declaration
Because state and federal disaster declarations were issued after the storm, the county is allowed to exceed the usual 3.5% cap without triggering a public election. The temporary increase will raise around $42 million for a dedicated reserve to cover road repairs and other recovery expenses.
County officials said they plan to reduce the rate again in the following budget cycle, once the immediate costs are addressed.
“This is necessary because of the unprecedented amount of damage that has occurred throughout Travis County,” Commissioner Brigid Shea said, noting damage in areas like Big Sandy Creek and Cow Creek. She emphasized the strain on the county’s emergency repair resources.
Uncertain reimbursement, rising risk
The county has already used $7 million from its emergency fund to respond to the disaster. Budget Director Travis Gatlin said the county is pursuing reimbursement from state and federal sources, but future FEMA funding is uncertain.
He warned that local governments may increasingly be left to cover recovery costs alone and recommended that the county consider growing its emergency reserves in future budgets.
“In my 24 years of being here, I’ve seen multiple wildfires, winter storms, flooding events and even a pandemic,” Gatlin said. “These are becoming more frequent. We need to prepare for those worst-case scenarios.”
Exemptions and next steps
Travis County offers a 20% general homestead exemption for owner-occupied homes. Additional exemptions apply to seniors, disabled residents, veterans, and surviving spouses.
Residents can submit public comments on the proposed budget through the county’s budgeting office. Commissioners will adopt the new tax rate on September 23 and vote on the final 2025–26 budget on September 30.
